Program Overview

Program Overview

The AI Scholars program is a fully funded, merit-based program for rising high school seniors to develop real-world skills, gain mentorship, and take the first step toward their future in tech. During this four-week immersive program, scholars will engage in classroom instruction, research projects, faculty lectures, and industry experiences, gaining real-world experience while exploring one of today's most exciting fields.

Program Details

• The program is a four-week residential experience at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Upon admission, students are required to reside in the CMU dorms for the full length of the program.
• Full program participation is required; students may not miss classes, lectures, or project time for other programs or obligations.
• Because of the immersive, hands-on nature of AI Scholars, participation in any concurrent summer program - virtual or in-person - is not permitted.

Curriculum

Academic

• Virtual Pre-Program Python Course: A virtual course held approximately one month before arrival combines synchronous and asynchronous components to prepare students for the on-campus experience. Prior coding experience is not required. Instructor support will be available for all participants.
• Core AI Curriculum: Taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty, the core AI Scholars curriculum introduces foundational computing and artificial intelligence concepts.
• Research Exposure: Students gain an in-depth introduction to ongoing research projects led by CMU faculty and graduate students.
• Writing Workshop: Focused on college application and essay preparation, helping students strengthen their writing and storytelling skills. All students leave the program with a completed college application essay that has been workshopped by their instructor and peers.

Personal Growth

• Career and Personal Development: Interactive discussions with experts designed to help students explore academic and career pathways.
• Mentorship: Group mentoring with CMU faculty and graduate students fosters guidance and support.
• College and Beyond: Seminars on academic readiness, college success, and post-graduate planning during the program and beyond its completion.
• Community Building: Social and team-based activities designed to create lasting connections among peers.

Hands-on Experience

• Group Research Projects: Collaborative projects allow students to apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges.
• Industry Engagement: Field trips to leading tech companies where students connect with professionals, explore emerging topics, and learn about career opportunities.
• Capstone Symposium: On the final day, students publicly present their group projects - showcasing the skills and knowledge they've developed throughout the program.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

• To be eligible for AI Scholars, students must:
  • Be at least 16 years old by the program start date.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a current U.S. green card.
  • Be in 11th grade in high school at time of application submission.
• The complete application for AI Scholars will consist of:
  • Online application
  • Unofficial high school transcript
  • Standardized test scores (optional)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Completion of essay prompts indicated in the application

Financial Need

• AI Scholars utilizes a holistic application review and admissions process, looking at the full application and selecting program participants based on a combination of factors.
• Because participants are fully funded, demonstration of financial need is one of these factors.
• There is no option for participants to pay out of pocket tuition fees for this program, and documentation of financial need is required for application submission.

Program Length and Schedule

• The 2026 AI Scholars program is a four-week residential experience at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• The program starts on June 20, 2026, and ends on July 18, 2026.
• Core classes, guest lectures, group projects, workshops, and field trips are held Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Evenings may include office hours, homework, group study, and social activities. Weekends are free for field trips, on-campus clubs, and exploring the city of Pittsburgh.